The Kimberley is set to provide the spectacular backdrop to one of Australia’s most scenic sporting events, when the First National Kimberley Lake Argyle Swim takes place on May 1 this year.
More than 300 swimmers from across Australia will descend on the fresh water lake in remote Western Australia to take part in the open water event, which received $10,000 funding from the McGowan Government’s Country Sport Enrichment Scheme.
Sport and Recreation Minister Mick Murray announced the funding while visiting Lake Argyle today. The event will see individuals, duos and teams take part in 10 or 20 kilometre swims.
Often described as ‘the jewel of the Kimberley’ Lake Argyle is 75 kilometres from Kununurra, and just 40 kilometres from the Northern Territory border, framed by the rugged landscape of WA’s north west.
It covers 980 square kilometres at normal water levels, and can increase to more than 40 times the size of Sydney Harbour when in flood.
The Country Sport Enrichment Scheme provides funding to deliver international, national or state sporting events or competitions in regional WA, while also utilising elite athletes to promote the benefits of sport and physical activity.
All competitors will be subject to any relevant border restrictions at the time, and the event will adhere to all COVID-safe event requirements.
As stated by Sport and Recreation Minister Mick Murray:
“We are in an enviable position here in Western Australia, that we are able to stage world-class events such as the Lake Argyle swim.
“The Lake Argyle Swim is a unique and hugely exciting event of which we should be extremely proud.
“It will bring hundreds of visitors to this outstanding part of our State, and with it some much needed economic activity.”
